In 2008, a handful of committed local residents got together to talk about creating a farmers market for the towns of Acton and Boxborough. They brainstormed, created policies, brought volunteers on board, negotiated with the Town of Acton for space and support, and reached out to local vendors.
In the summer of 2009, the Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market (ABFM) opened on Pearl Street in West Acton.
Community support was immediate and abundant. The market became a go-to destination for families from Acton, Boxborough, and beyond.
The market’s mission has changed little since day one:
- Showcase local sustainable agriculture.
- Foster direct, informed relationships between farmers and consumers.
- Promote organic practices.
- Benefit local farmers, the local economy, public health, community vitality, and regional sustainability.
- Provide discounted pricing through a generous SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) match making food more affordable for local folks dealing with food insecurity.
Organizing the market takes a lot of work and planning — not just during the market season. It’s a year-round enterprise. In our 18 years of operation, no volunteer or board member has received payment of any kind. After direct costs, the bulk of revenue has been spent on SNAP matches — doubling, at times tripling, the state allocation to our neighbors most in need. In the past three years alone, ABFM has provided more than $17,500 in matching funds to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients. Recently, Feeding America reported that in Massachusetts one in nine people and one in eight children are facing hunger. Many local residents are dealing with housing, food, and medical costs that are beyond their means.
How the market operates
AB Farmers Market is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays, June 14 through mid-October. Vendors apply to attend the market and show that they have the required permits and insurance. They pay a nominal fee to sell at the market.
The market started out in West Acton, but new construction on Pearl Street and COVID inspired a move to the Elm Street tennis courts. The leadership are currently working with the town to identify a third, hopefully permanent, home.
Financially, the market is supported by local businesses that provide working capital. And there have been a number of small institutional grants in addition to direct donations from generous community members. Last year, ABFM finally received official recognition as a 501(c)3, tax-exempt organization and is now run by a local nonprofit board.
ABFM vendors
As a “producer-only” market, ABFM vendors only sell what they “make, bake, or grow.” This ensures quality and keeps the money local. The ABFM season starts in mid-June because that is when early crops are beginning to yield.
In addition to vegetable farmers, fruit growers, and meat vendors, the market hosts small-scale food producers, bakers, vineyards, breweries, and artisans. There are seasonal vendors who come weekly, and many who come every other week or sometimes more occasionally. A list of each week’s providers is posted on the website and included in a weekly email (sign up here).
When time and resources permit, ABFM hosts children’s activities, which have been extremely well received.This year, ABFM will be running the POP (Power of Produce) program for children aged 4 to 12. For three months, children will receive $3 in POP Club Bucks every time they visit the market. They may only use their POP Club bucks to pay for fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and vegetable or herb plants. This magical program encourages youngsters to chat with farmers and “buy” produce they haven’t tried before, and maybe even to cook it with their family!
Every week, there is live entertainment by local performers, providing them with a venue to showcase their talent.
On a weekly basis, different community groups table at the market. Partners and sponsors — local businesses that have offered financial support to the market — have the opportunity to table as well, to provide information on their products and services.
And our ask — or should I say opportunity
Our farmers market could not exist without its passionate volunteers! We welcome volunteers for market days, and are looking for people able to help for a minimum of two hours. Volunteers perform various important tasks, including market set-up, post-market clean-up, staffing the ABFM information table, monitoring parking compliance, helping vendors load and unload, etc. Shifts are available between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
To learn more, check out our Volunteer Opportunities online or email our volunteer coordinator. We hope you will join us!
Thank you for your support
The ABFM team is grateful for the consistent support we’ve received from the community and especially thankful for the town of Acton and its staff for providing a number of essential resources over the years.
For more information about the market, please use the following links.
- General information: abfarmersmarket.org
- Vendor list: abfarmersmarket.org/vendors
- Newsletter sign up: abfarmersmarket.org/newsletter-signup
- Volunteer opportunities: (https://abfarmersmarket.org/joinus-volunteer/)
- Send us a message: abfarmersmarket.org/contact-us
David Gerratt has been volunteering with the AB Farmers market since 2008 and presently serves on its board. As the principal of DG Communications in Acton, he donated his time to design The Acton Exchange website.
